{"id":1105058,"date":"2026-07-22T18:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1105058\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T18:30:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:30:20","slug":"3-backup-goalkeepers-leeds-united-should-try-sign-asap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1105058\/","title":{"rendered":"3 backup goalkeepers Leeds United should try sign ASAP"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leeds United<\/a> lost Karl Darlow to Man Utd as the 49ers were unable to guarantee the experienced goalkeeper the No1 spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

United\u2019s goalkeeper pursuit needs to speed up soon, after losing Karl Darlow<\/a> on a free transfer to Old Trafford earlier in July.<\/p>\n

Not only do Leeds need a new starting goalkeeper, but reports about why Darlow turned down an Elland Road extension make matters more tricky. Leeds reportedly weren\u2019t willing to guarantee Darlow a starting spot<\/a>, meaning the plan was to have him as backup again next season, while Lucas Perri\u2019s position at the club is far from strong.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it can be safely assumed Leeds not only want a new long-term successor as No1, but we could do with a backup as well.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s look at three backup goalkeeper options that Leeds should be considering\u2026<\/p>\n

Jason Steele \u2013 Brighton<\/p>\n

An experienced Englishman is likely the route Leeds go down if we\u2019re in the hunt for another backup goalkeeper. Brighton\u2019s Jason Steele fits the criteria down to a tee.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s shown during his time under Roberto De Zerbi that he\u2019s absolutely capable of filling in when needed, as a shot-stopper and \u2018modern\u2019 goalkeeper too.<\/p>\n

A Northern lad from County Durham, Steele may want to see out the twilight years of his career closer to home in West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n

At 35, he would come to Leeds with similar pedigree to Darlow. How willing Brighton would be to part ways is another question, though.<\/p>\n

Radek Vitek \u2013 Man Utd<\/p>\n

A much younger option that could be a shrewd long-term investment is Man Utd\u2019s Radek Vitek, who returned for their pre-season this month after a brilliant Championship loan spell.<\/p>\n

Vitek, 22, spent last season at Bristol City in the EFL, where he proved to be one of the best shot-stoppers outside the Premier League.<\/p>\n

His chances of playing at Old Trafford are slim-to-nil next season. Senne Lammens has locked off the No1 spot, and Darlow joins as an obvious No2.<\/p>\n

Despite being in their pre-season squad, Vitek outlined his desire to leave, and moving to Leeds could be an inviting proposition, even if he\u2019s itching to remain a first-choice \u2018keeper.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen,\u201d via The Mirror<\/a>. \u201cAt the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Stefan Ortega \u2013 Free agent<\/p>\n

Should Leeds actually sign James Trafford from Manchester City, having someone he\u2019s familiar with to learn and develop alongside would be nice.<\/p>\n

Former Manchester City man Stefan Ortega is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest at the start of the month, and is the exact profile Leeds should be after.<\/p>\n

Again, Leeds have clearly shown a willingness to strike on free agents when the time is right. Ortega would provide brilliant experience as a two-time Premier League-winner and part of City\u2019s treble-winning squad too.<\/p>\n

At 33, Ortega may still understandably feel like he\u2019s got much more football in him. But, an ambitious project where he\u2019s competing for a starting spot alongside a long-term project \u2018keeper is potentially inviting.<\/p>\n

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